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This posh compact SUV has Victoria Beckham written all over it, with its curvy sleek exterior and fashionable interior making it a range to be reckoned with.
According to British manufacturers, Land Rover, the Evoque is the smallest, lightest and most fuel-efficient Range Rover ever produced, combining the sophistication of a sedan with the presence of a rugged off-road driving machine.
The Land Rover Design team has transformed the boxier Range, known for cutting through sandy terrain like a hot knife in butter, into a curvier shape that is easy on the eyes and quick to the touch.
What’s even more excitable about the new line is that it was inspired by celebrity fashion icon and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham. Fashion has officially entered the world of motor cars and Victoria couldn’t have chosen a better ride to join forces with.
It was a match made in heaven as the Evoque won truck of the year in 2012 at the Detroit Auto Show while the former singer won Designer Brand of the Year award at the 2011 British Fashion Awards for her ultra-chic fashion line.
There is a five-door Evoque and a three-door Coupé. The five-door model is available in three trim levels, Pure, Prestige and Dynamic. The Evoque Coupè is only available in the Pure and Dynamic models. The Pure is marketed as the minimalist version while the Prestige adds luxury options and the Dynamic focuses more on performance.
While Posh Spice stimulated the entire line, she spent 18 months, along with Rover head designer Gerry McGovern, working on the Evoque special edition from elements like jewellery and textile to develop a distinct look.
She told the press that one important factor in the production was to ensure that despite the affiliation with a woman designer, men; one in particular, would drive the car. She added that she was sure her legendary footballer husband David will drive it and if Mr Cool will then you surely can’t argue with that. In fact, the bold, hand-finished ‘baseball’ stitch detail in the interior was chosen by Victoria as a tongue-in-cheek reference to David.
There are only 200 special editions made boasting hand-finished matte grey paint, 20″ black alloy wheels and rose-gold detailing in the grill and the gear along with two-toned stitching. Indeed, the 240-horsepower turbocharged engine, 17-speaker surround sound system, and full-time four-wheel-drive and terrain response.
It also oozes class, has a luxurious feel and the Evoque Coupè Dynamic version I test drove offered a stunningly smooth ride.
After I strapped myself into the BD28,000 mighty machine I realised that there was no gear to shift on drive, Or, so I thought. As soon as I pressed the ‘push to start’ button the car came to life and a gear selection dial popped up from under the central control stack. Needless to say, I was dumbstruck and had fallen in love with the clever high-tech design. The foot well lighting was also a welcome surprise as the Range has ambient mood lighting that changes colours. Welcome to the future people!
The infotainment options were aplenty, featuring a standard CD player, MP3 and radio functions. The Dual-View capability on the touch-screen display also allows passengers to watch TV while the driver retains navigation and other functionality so there’s no distractions. There’s also voice command button on the steering wheel, which allows you to operate your phone via Bluetooth, access navigation and music.
After I set my favourite radio station, I drove out of Euro Motors Land Rover showroom in Sitra and immediately noticed that the SUV picked up speed beautifully. It’s no surprise with its 2-litre twin-turbo 4-cylinder engine that boasts an impressive 240bph. I had to keep checking the speedometer to ensure I was abiding by the speed limit.
The SUV hugged curves well, handled with ease and was very responsive. As for its safety features this vehicle will not disappoint as it has attained a five star Euro NCAP rating. The Euro NCAP test is regarded as one of the most demanding tests in the world to be applied to new vehicles. It is recognised as a benchmark for crash safety by governments, automobile clubs and consumer protection organisations throughout Europe.
Feeling comfortable, safe and entertained with Radio Bahrain blasting in the background, I made my way to the Bahrain Fort Museum in Karbabad to bask in Bahrain’s sun and admire the clear blue sky which matched my Mauritius blue vehicle.
When I approached the end of the road and was met with Bahrain’s usual sandy area I simply switched on the sand terrain button and pushed forward. The Evoque truly masters all road and weather conditions, be it mud, gravel, sand or snow, this is a beast of a car not to be messed with.
It was such a beautiful ride that I hated parting with it but the sale executives assured me that it can be mine with monthly payment options starting from BD399 a month. Land Rover even has a Ramadan offer entitled ‘Buy now, Pay in 2014’.
The five-door Pure line is BD20,000, the Prestige is BD26,000 and the Dynamic is BD27,000. The three-door Pure is BD21,000 and the Dynamic is BD28,000.
To book a test drive and for more information contact Euro Motors on 17750747.
